The New York State Amateur Hockey Association, in compliance with the USA Hockey Affiliate Agreement, employs a policy to screen coaches, on-ice officials and volunteers who have regular, routine or frequent access to minor-age players, whether girls or boys, under the age of 18. This excludes players who are over 18 playing on teams containing under 18 year old players, i.e. 19 & Under Women’s teams.

The SafeSport Training and Refresher Training are each valid for two (2) seasons. Thus, if you took the training during the 2017-18 season, it is valid for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.As of January 1, 2018, all relevant individuals who need to be SafeSport certified or are seeking recertification will need to complete the new three-course SafeSport training, which features updated content. Upon completion of the online SafeSport training, individuals will be certified for two seasons. A new SafeSport refresher course will eventually be added to the platform. This will be an abbreviated version intended for individuals who have previously completed the three core SafeSport courses and need to recertify. Users completing the SafeSport refresher course will be certified for an additional two seasons.

PLEASE NOTE that you will need your own USA Hockey Confirmation Number or Referee Number and your own email address to access the training. Additionally you will need to access the training from the link provided under "Register for SafeSport Training."

COACHING CLINICS

If you need to sign up for a class to renew your coaching card or you need to move to the next level here is where you register: http://www.usahockey.com/coachingclinics. This link will also allow you check the status of your current coaching card.

COACHING MODULES

USA Hockey has created age specific coaching modules for each level. You must complete the module before being placed on the roster. Please use this link to register for your module: https://www.usahockey.com/agespecificmodules

In order for Amherst Youth Hockey to reimburse you for any of your coaching credentials the Coaching Reimbursement form must be submitted along with all necessary paperwork. If you do not send all required paperwork the processing of your refund will be delayed significantly. The form can be found here.

All Reimbursement Forms must be postmarked by April 30th, 2020 in order to receive reimbursement.

USA Hockey has a section of its website dedicated solely to the development of goaltenders of all ages.

The site includes detailed information on positioning and mental preparation, downloadable drill sheets for coaches and players, camp information and an overview of the Warren Strelow Goaltender Mentor Program. In addition, a forum entitled, "Ask the Mechanic" is part of the site and gives coaches, players and parents a chance to submit questions that are answered weekly by Joe Exter, goaltending coach for USA Hockey's National Team Development Program

1. to help train entry level coaches at an earlier age level.
2. to allow the younger players who wish to do so an opportunity to participate on the ice and help the coaching staff demonstrate/teach skills.
3. to give actual on-ice experience to our younger players who aspire to become a coach in the future.
4. to allow these young players protection under the USA Hockey Insurance program.

USA Hockey defines a Student Coach as a player between the ages of 13 and 17 who is currently properly registered/rostered on a USA Hockey team.

A Student Coach:

1. Must attend a training session conducted by the local hockey association prior to participating as a Student Coach.

2. Must always be under the supervision of a certified/ screened adult coach during all practices, clinics, try-outs and in the locker room.

3. May help out at practices, clinics and try-outs only. (May not participate in scrimmages or games as a Student Coach).

4. May not act as an assistant or head coach during practices or games.

5. Must wear a helmet with full face shield, gloves and skates while on the ice. Must wear helmet during games while on the bench.

6. May only work with players at least one full playing age level down (e.g., a Peewee age player may act as a Student Coach at the Squirt or Mite
level).

7. The organization that is using the Student Coach must provide a USA Hockey Student Coach Information Form indicating on what team he/she is participating as a Student Coach, and what team he/she is properly registered/rostered as a player. You can download a Student Coach application by clicking HERE.

8. Upon reaching the age of eighteen (18), the Student Coach must comply with the USA Hockey Screening Program and meet the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program requirements that will qualify him/her to act as
an assistant or head coach.

A mandatory training session will be held sometime in the Fall for Student Coaches accepted and registered in the AYH Student Coaching Program for the
2012-2013 Season.

Submitting an application to the AYH Student Coaching Program is NOT a guarantee of acceptance. Amherst Youth Hockey reserves the right to limit the number of applicants accepted based on our needs, and to reject any
application.

Per the Town of Amherst Recreation Commission, the following helmet rule will be in effect for the upcoming season beginning September 1, 2009:

"All ice hockey coaches, instructors and participants, while at the Amherst Pepsi Center, must wear an ice hockey helmet when they are on the ice participating in all on-ice sessions including, but not limited to, games, practices, scrimmages and clinics. The helmet must be properly worn with the chin strap properly attached."